News for Restaurants in Orange County, CA August 2016 Archive

Orange County farm-to-table pioneer Rich Mead has returned to the Orange County dining scene with the launch of Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens. Located within the confines of the popular Corona Del Mar botanical nursery, the open-air venue features a contemporary culinary motif built upon Mead’s signature skills with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The eatery will also offer craft beers, signature cocktails and intriguing wines. Lunch and Dinner daily. Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, 949-640-1415.

Orange County’s first drive-thru poke concept, FINS Poke Fusion, is now open in downtown Fullerton. The fast-casual eatery allows guests to assemble bowls of fresh cubed seafood with traditional accoutrements (think seaweed and roe) or order from a list of pre-designed options. Guests can also create their own poke-stuffed tacos. The venue has a sister location in Mission Viejo that does not offer a drive-thru service. FINS Poke Fusion, 513 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92832, 714-519-3014.

Live Music at Holstein's Shakes & BunsHolstein’s Shakes & Buns is raising the happy hour bar with a little live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Various local artists drop by the South Coast Plaza venue to perform acoustic sets for guests who’ve gathered to indulge in $7 appetizers, $5 cocktails and house wines and $3 draft beers. The tunes can be enjoyed from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Holstein's Shakes & Buns, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, 714-352-2525.

Brunch at Pizzeria OrticaPizzeria Ortica, the popular Italian eatery located in Costa Mesa’s arts district, has launched Sunday brunch. Guests can prep for a day of theatre or shopping at nearby South Coast Plaza by digging into Ortica’s progressive-yet-approachable food and drink items, all carefully crafted by executive chef Justin Miller and bar manager Joel Caruso. Select items include house-made fennel sausage with Tuscan black kale and Calabrian chile; wood-grilled shrimp and polenta with fried green tomatoes; and poached eggs with roasted asparagus, Speck, and Fontina foduta. Dishes can be paired with cocktails such as a tequila-based bloody Mary or a mimosa built with passion fruit, orange and guava. For more information is available online. Pizzeria Ortica, 650 Anton Blvd., Ste. J, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, 714-445-4900.

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Rancho Santa Margarita has closed its doors. The Mexican restaurant, which had opened four years ago, cited a decision to not renew its lease as the reason for the closure. The restaurant’s original location in Costa Mesa remains open. Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar, 22322 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, no phone.